Work-related psychological injury claims
The HSE defines work-related stress as "stress that is caused or made worse by work. It simply refers to when a person perceives the work environment in such a way that his or her reaction involves feelings of an inability to cope. It may be caused by perceived or real pressures/deadlines/threats/anxieties within the working environment.”
Causes of work-related stress can include:
- Work overload
- Lack of control
- Unpredictable hours, inflexible work schedules and unsociable hours
- Poor relationships with colleagues, superiors, social or physical isolation
- Career stagnation, under or over-promotion
- Poor pay
- Job insecurity
- Unclear role
- Harassment and discrimination
This is by no means a comprehensive list, and there may be other factors which lead to work-related stress. Organisations can minimise stress at work by conducting risk assessments and acting on their outcome. Work stress tends to lead to common psychological injuries at work such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Occupational stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
If your employer knew there was a risk of psychological stress and they did nothing to prevent or reduce the risk, then you may be able to claim compensation. Contact our specialist work injury solicitors today.
Psychological injuries at work compensation
Psychological injury at work can be life-changing, it may result in prolonged time off work, feeling like you can no longer carry on in your job or career or not being able to work altogether. In serious cases, it may even lead to suicidal thoughts, self-harming or even result in you taking your own life. To deal with work-related stress, employees may have to undergo therapy. If it is possible to prove that your psychological injury is caused by work, then the compensation we ask for can help pay for:
- Private mental health treatment – avoiding NHS delays
- Rehabilitation or therapy that may not be available on the NHS
A compensation calculation can also include:
- Loss of earnings – including loss of future earnings if you cannot return to work
- Out of pocket expenses – this can include transport costs, cost of treatment and other miscellaneous expenses. Make sure you always keep your receipts
- Loss of enjoyment – such as not being able to do day to day activities or sports you once loved
- Injury to feelings
- Aggravated damages – you can claim if your employer has behaved particularly badly in a situation
As psychological injury at work claims fall under personal injury law, you will only have three years to claim, starting after the date of knowledge of your injuries. So, don’t delay! Our team have plenty of experience of dealing with work-related psychological injuries compensation at work claims and will help to negotiate the best settlement possible. Speak to our expert work accident lawyers today on 0161 696 6235. We work on a no win, no fee basis, so if your case is not successful then you won't have to pay a penny.
Can I claim industrial psychological injuries compensation if someone has taken their own life?
There is no easy answer to this question, there have been very few successful cases where an employer has been forced to pay compensation for an employee who has taken their own life. However, if it can be proved the employer could have reasonably foreseen that an employee might take their own life as a result of psychological injuries at work and nothing was done about it, then you may have a case. This is a complex area of law that is evolving, if you think your loved one's employer lead to their suicide then contact our Legal 500 recommended injury lawyer today.
